GREAT GRACE WAS UPON THEM
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33
The Book of Acts records the miraculous power and influence of the New Testament church. The world was shaken by the testimony and lifestyle of these first century followers of Jesus Christ. They were unselfish and unafraid, witnessing was a way of life, and their unity would be the desire of every true church. In describing their spiritual condition and zeal, the Word of God says, “great grace was upon them all.” Their attitude and their efforts were an expression of the measure of grace that they were receiving from God. This church’s growth and mutual love was not the result of some program or plan. It was a manifestation of what God was doing in them, and thus, through them.
All of us that are saved are recipients of God’s grace. We are saved by grace, kept by grace, sanctified by grace, and we serve by grace. However, the fact that all that we have received from God is a result of His grace does not mean that we have experienced all of His grace. We need more of His grace at work in our lives. We could say that we have experienced a measure of His grace, but we also could admit that there is more of His grace available. James 4:6 says, “he giveth more grace.” No matter how much grace we have known, there is more grace available.
Our churches need “great grace” to be upon them. It stands to reason that if we are going to have “great grace” upon the ministry of the churches, it will be because “great grace” is upon the individual members of the churches. It is only as God’s grace is manifesting itself in us and through us that we really see His work accomplished. None of us can be all that God wants us to be apart from His grace. Our conduct will not be Christ-like unless His grace is flowing through us.
Is there some means of acquiring more grace or seeing His grace multiplied on our lives and ministries? The Bible tells us in more than one place that God “giveth grace” to the humble (James 4:6; I Peter 5:5). As we recognize our inadequacies and humbly surrender to His leadership and will, He promises to give us more grace. Grace is not bestowed because of effort or achievement, but it is given to those who realize how desperately they need God’s help.